Bat diversity in the Banpale forest, Pokhara, Nepal during spring season

Abstract

Bat research in Nepal is limited and most areas remain to be explored. Sparse research has been conducted in the Banpale forest and to improve the understanding of bat diversity, an updated species checklist was prepared. Trapping surveys using mist nets were conducted at four different locations in the forest from March to May 2018. This survey identified 55 individuals belonging to eight species within eight genera and four families. Trapping locations near less disturbed forest edges and water resources were found to have higher bat diversity compared to highly disturbed areas (e.g., landslides and logging areas). With information from survey and secondary source, we conclude that Banpale forest harbours 10 of the 53 bat species found in Nepal. We recommend adopting practices to conserve the forest from landslides and minimizing illegal logging to conserve bat forest habitats.